Nature Trail

Nature Trail

What is it? 

A nature trail is a planned outdoor walking route, along which are posts marking varying points of interest for people to stop and observe. They can include things such as nature, environmental features and objects of technological and cultural importance, and generally the marker posts have some information displayed for the walkers’ perusal.

What does it involve?

These sorts of trails can involve many different things, but they are all generally based around walking on a circuitous route or from point A to B. The lengths of the trails can vary from reasonably short 30 minute walks to taking many hours to complete – there are different types to include all sorts of different features.

Why do it and what are the benefits?

A nature trail is a great and easy way to get interested in the surrounding environment! The presented information means it requires no research on the things around you, so it’s hassle free and a alternative way of learning.

What equipment do we need?

You shouldn’t need any equipment other than appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear!

Who is it suitable for?

As long as you make sure the length and intensity of the nature trail is suitable for the ages of the students, it should be suitable for pretty much anyone!

Costs?

Most nature trails are generally free to access, but more specialist walks may have a guide available, which would have some costs! Make sure to check ahead of time.

Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)

Nature trails can take you a reasonable distance away from any towns, so if you have students with unpredictable medical conditions you must ensure you can call for medical help and that assistance can access your location easily! Also, young children should always be supervised carefully when in an unsecured outdoor location!

How do we include?

The nature of the outdoors means that the terrain can be rough or unpredictable, so those with physical disabilities may have issues navigating the route. Check with the trail’s organisers to find out the specific details.

Doing it abroad?

Foreign nature trails will be fascinating! They can give you a chance to see and learn about some of the features of different countries while seeing them in real life as opposed to pictures in books. Do some research beforehand to see what is going to be available in the area!

Main website: 

See specific venue websites for information about their nature trails.

 

See the list below for venues and providers who deliver this activity:

Ightham Mote

Outstanding 14th-century moated manor house
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Lose yourself in this romantic moated manor house, described by David Starkey as 'one of the most beautiful and interesting of English country houses'.

Built nearly 700 years ago, this house has seen many changes and been owned by Medieval knights, courtiers to Henry VIII and high society Victorians.

Highlights include the picturesque courtyard, Great Hall, crypt, Tudor painted ceiling, Grade I listed dog kennel and the private apartments of Charles Henry Robinson, who gave Ightham Mote to the National Trust in 1985.

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Musbury Hill Fort

A mysterious hill fort overlooking the beautiful village of Musbury
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Only recently acquired by the National Trust, little is known about the history of this mysterious Iron Age fort.

Situated above the beautiful village of Musbury this impressive fortification offers stunning views of the rural beauty of the Axe valley and out towards one of our houses, Shute Barton.

Explore the ancient ramparts or take the nearby footpaths that criss-cross the whole area.

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Abbey Fields

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Grassy slopes, the lake, historic buildings, old trees and hedges recall Abbey Fields’ past, while the new play area contributes to the modern side with a fully fenced in zone for the little ones to run wild on the equipment. 

Adjacent there is also a 25-metre heated indoor pool and outdoor pool in the summer.

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Abington Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Big park with historical features, plus playground and fitness trail, Abington Park Museum and also features a specific garden for the blind.

Abington Park sits on the site of a medieval village, with some buildings surviving over seven centuries.

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Leith Hill

Woodland, heathland, farmland, parkland and Leith Hill Place, home of composer Vaughan Williams
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Leith Hill is the highest point in Southeast England and is set within the beautiful Surrey Hills.

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Victoria Park

A tree-lined riverside park for families and sport
Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Offers several adventure play areas with a wide range of equipment, summer paddling pool and loads of sports space including 10 all weather tennis courts, bowls and cricket, plus the half mile circuit.

Victoria Park was opened to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1899 and still fulfils a vital role in the community's recreation and leisure.

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Cusworth Hall Museum and Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

Cusworth Hall has been described as the jewel in Doncaster’s crown. The beautiful grade 1 listed building is set in acres of historic parkland with lakes, plantations and pleasure ground with dramatic views across the town.

The site which was extensively restored between 2003-2007 invites visitors to experience a wealth of architecture, heritage, landscape history, wildlife and exhibitions, events and activities.

There is also an excellent tea room and shop, everything you need for a memorable day out.

The Hall

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Morven Park

20 acres of peaceful parkland located in the heart of Potters Bar
Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

The story of Morven Park begins as early as the 14th century. The medieval town of Potters Bar - on the edge of Hertfordshire - was the site of a toll along the Great North Road. The remains of this original settlement; the toll house and the old Great North Road are buried beneath Morven’s grounds.

Morven was donated to the National Trust by a Mr A.B. Sanderson in two parts - the first 20 acres in 1928 and the rest of the park - including the house - in 1934.

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Emberton Country Park

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
0

With the timeline wall, habitat and church trails, adventure play areas and wide open country side, if you've got kids that like to run and run this one is for you!

The area was originally a gravel works, but has now been transformed into an attractive parkland setting covering 200 acres which is welcoming to visitors and encourages peace and relaxation.

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Old Wardour Castle

Venue Type: 
Castles
Overall Rating: 
0

Set in the peaceful Wiltshire countryside beside a lake, Old Wardour Castle, near Tisbury was once one of the most daring and innovative homes in Britain. It was built in the 14th century as a lightly fortified luxury residence for comfortable living and lavish entertainment. Today the castle ruin provides a relaxed, romantic day out for couples, families and budding historians alike.

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